Leeds International Festival of Ideas - better known to most of us as LIFI - has confirmed its blockbuster line-up of speakers and performers for 2025.
Starring in the brilliant cultural event this year will be the likes of David Baddiel, Victoria Derbyshire, Vicky McClure, Caitlin Moran, Sally Wainwright and loads more.
Speakers at this year's LIFI range from hip-hop legends to comedy icons, who will take part in the packed programme of panels, talks and performances this autumn.
Taking place between 14 and 18 October, LIFI25 will touch on a wide range of subjects, including power, politics, parenthood, identity and resilience.
The festival will once again take place at Leeds Playhouse, across its Quarry and Courtyard spaces, with daytime and evening sessions, accessible pricing, and community programming.
Headline events will include a fireside conversation with Chuck D, called How Hip-Hop Changed the World, hosted by broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake.
The legendary Sally Wainwright OBE - creator of Happy Valley, among other Yorkshire-based dramas - will sit down with actress Tamsin Greig to discuss their bold new upcoming drama Riot Women.
David Baddiel will present 'Is Religion the Ultimate Culture War?', while Myleene Klass MBE leads a relatable conversation around the mental load of motherhood, called 'Can Mums Have It All?'.
'How Level is the Playing Field?' will be a debate on gender equality in sport, featuring Fara Williams MBE, Verity Smith, Emily Campbell and more.
Myleene KlassSally Wainwright OBEVicky McClureWilliam HansonSome of the speakers confirmed for this year's LIFI
Celebrated actress Vicky McClure MBE is set to bring her inspiring project Our Dementia Choir Live to Leeds for this year's LIFI programme.
There'll also be loads of panel discussions which will touch on everything from domestic abuse and toxic masculinity to geopolitics, overtourism and motherhood.
Martin Dickson, Festival Director, said: “LIFI25 is the most urgent and exciting edition yet. In an increasingly polarised world, we need safe spaces to explore difficult topics with empathy, expertise and a sense of hope.
"This year’s line-up reflects the richness of public discourse, from legendary cultural icons to everyday change-makers, all ready to challenge ideas, share truths and spark curiosity. Leeds has always been a city of voices. LIFI is where they come together."
Tickets will go on sale to priority subscribers via the LIFI newsletter on 19 June at 1pm, with general sale opening on 24 June at 1pm.
Fans are encouraged to sign up by 19th June at 11am at leedsinternationalfestival.com to secure first access and see the full programme.
The Leeds School Uniform Exchange is returning to the city bigger and better than before.
This year, the Leeds School Uniform Exchange pop-up shop at The Merrion Centre will be significantly expanded to support families across the city ahead of the new school year.
Following the success of last year’s initiative, this year’s pop-up will feature a larger retail space, more stock available to give away, and an extended schedule of opening dates throughout the school holidays.
The pop-up is run by Leeds charity Wear and Share Leeds, that promotes sustainability and community support, providing pre-loved school uniforms at no cost and with no referral required.
Image: Supplied
The initiative forms part of the growing city-wide movement led by the Leeds School Uniform Exchange, encouraging families to reuse school uniform rather than buy new.
Families are invited to drop in, browse, and take what they need. Items typically include shirts, polos, trousers, skirts, blazers and jumpers; P.E. kits; shoes and accessories (subject to availability).
All items are sorted by size and school where possible. Uniform donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the pop-up during opening hours.
Image: Supplied
The Leeds School Uniform Exchange pop-up shop can be found on the upper balcony level within The Merrion Centre and will run on selected dates from Wednesday 22 July until 29 August from 10am-3pm.
Tracy Morgan, co-manager of Leeds School Uniform Exchange, said: “Over the years, our community's support has been incredible. By sharing pre-loved uniform, we've been able to help so many families and reduce textile waste at the same time. This year, with a bigger presence in the city centre, we hope to reach even more families.”
Debbie Binnersley, co-manager, added: “The Leeds School Uniform Exchange has already made a real difference for thousands of families, saving them hundreds of thousands of pounds. Expanding the Merrion Centre pop-up means we can go even further this summer.”
Cult Manchester matcha brand opens in Leeds for a summer residency
Clementine Hall
Now this is one you'll have definitely seen on your timeline.
Matcha Kyoto has gone crazy over in Manchester, with pop-ups all over the city and now with a permanent spot that constantly has queues out the door.
And now, they're bringing their little slice of Japan to Leeds with their famous matcha drinks topped with the satisfying cream swirls and glorious banana pudding.
Images: The Hoot leeds
The matcha from here is about and good and as authentic as it gets, using specialist matcha from Kyoto and whisking it to an exact science. Because trust us, it really is that deep.
They've come to Leeds in the form of a pop-up Japanese brunch cafe at Habbibi, which is located on the scenic Victoria Gate rooftop - making it the perfect spot to sip an iced matcha while soaking up the city views.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Drinks wise you can choose your base of matcha or hōjicha, then customise it however you fancy with flavours like ube, strawberry and mango.
They’re also selling premium matcha over the counter, so you can take home the same quality tea that they use in-store.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Alongside the matcha drinks you'll be able to get your hands on their pocket sandos, fluffy shokupan bread stuffed with everything from tamago prawn and teryaki chicken to bulgogi steak.
They're open now and serving every day until Wednesday 12 August, so if you've been curious to see why people happily queue around the block for their drinks, this is your chance to give them a warm Leeds welcome before they're gone.
Daisy Jackson -
18th June 2025 
